Remembering a lost landmark is what we are doing here today. This is the Hal Roach Studios Plaque. It marks the spot of one of Culver City’s most famous and important studios.
Hal Roach Studios began its journey in 1914. Roach initially named his company “Rolin”. This was after himself and his financial backer Dan Linthicum. The studio settled in Culver City after a few closures. Comedian Harold Lloyd became the studio’s star. He ensured the small company’s success.
In 1920, Hal Roach formed Hal Roach Studios. A new era began. Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chase, and Ruth Roland became top stars. By April 1920, the studio included an administration building and a large open stage. There was also an enclosed stage and a set storage building. A lab and department bungalows completed the layout. The back lot held various sets used repeatedly. By May, a pool water tank was installed, along with other departmental buildings.
Actress Ruth Roland made Roach “serial chapter plays” in January 1922. A new concrete stage was under construction. The first Our Gang comedies were produced in September. Will Rogers signed on to star in a series of comedies by 1923.
The 1920s saw stars like Laurel and Hardy. Charlie Chase, Will Rogers, and the Our Gang kids dominated the Roach output. Harold Lloyd left the company in 1924. In May 1923, Hal Roach purchased a 10-acre ranch near the studio. It was located near what is now Robertson Blvd. He shot films on location there. One of Roach’s favorite films was The Devil Horse starring Max “The Wonder Horse.” Laurel and Hardy officially teamed up in September 1926 for the film, Duck Soup.
All Roach productions were distributed by MGM Studios by January 1927. This made Hal Roach Studio the comedy unit of MGM. The Hal Roach Company was at the forefront of sound technology. All Roach films became sound pictures, made in newly constructed sound stages.
The 1930s marked the golden era for the Roach studios. Its star lineup included popular comedians. Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chase, and Our Gang were among them. In 1937, Roach began producing feature films. The first was Topper, starring Constance Bennett and Cary Grant. By the end of the 1930s, Roach had produced other films. These included Zenobia starring Oliver Hardy and Captain Fury with June Lang. Of Mice and Men starring Burgess Meredith and The Housekeeper’s Daughter with Joan Bennett followed.
The Roach Studios continued making feature films into the 1940s. The Army-Air Force took over the lot. It was nicknamed “Fort Roach”. Training and propaganda films were made here. Many Hollywood figures participated, including Ronald Reagan.
After the war, the Roach Studios resumed film production. New stages and facilities were built. Hal Roach, Jr. led the company into television production. He oversaw productions like Life With the Erwins and Amos and Andy.
In April 1959, Hal Roach Studios closed due to bankruptcy. Hal, Sr. tried to revive the studio. But by December 1962, the studio was permanently closed. In August 1963, the studio was demolished. This happened after auctions and sales of the company’s assets.
Hal Roach, Sr. lived to be 100 years old. The demise of his “Laugh Factory” marked the end of a remarkable era in film history. The Hal Roach Studios plaque serves as a reminder. It commemorates the studio’s significant contributions to film and television. It was indeed the “Laugh Factory to the World.”